Technology for Contractors

The end of reactive service

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

In a data-informed environment, plumbing and mechanical systems become managed infrastructure — visible, measurable and continuously optimized. Contractors who embrace that reality position themselves not simply as technicians, but as long-term asset stewards in an increasingly performance-driven built environment.

AHR Expo 2026: Hydronics innovation focuses on practical execution

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

AHR Expo 2026 made it clear that hybrid systems are no longer an emerging idea; they are the answer to the ongoing balancing act of meeting decarbonization goals while remaining realistic about the grid's capacity for electrification. Manufacturers emphasized systems that combine electric technologies, gas-fired equipment, and advanced controls.

Podcast: Speed, assortment and the art of saying yes: Behind SupplyHouse.com's merchandising and fulfillment engine

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of And So It Flows, Jennifer Harrison and Kaytee Gray from SupplyHouse.com discuss how digital merchandising and fulfillment are evolving to empower contractors with expert product information, simplifying decision-making in the field.

Podcast: Real-time answers under jobsite pressure: How AI is shaping distribution

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Lock Supply Co.’s Tim Savage breaks down how practical AI tools are accelerating quoting, closing knowledge gaps, and strengthening contractor trust — without replacing the human side of sales.

What software is powering today's contractors

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Software adoption has moved from being a competitive advantage to a core requirement — especially in the face of labor shortages, cost pressures and rising customer expectations.

AHR Expo 2026 returns to Las Vegas

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Manufacturers exhibiting at AHR Expo 2026 are bringing forward solutions that prioritize intelligence, flexibility and practicality, addressing real-world challenges faced by contractors, engineers, distributors and building owners.

Smart tools in skilled hands: AI in the trades

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Artificial intelligence is being used in a plethora of ways across the trades industry. According to Lynn Wise, CEO of Contractor in Charge, “Plumbing and mechanical contractors are moving past the experimental phase of AI and are adopting practical solutions that integrate directly into their daily operations. These tools are streamlining workflows, enhancing customer service, and boosting profitability.”

Meet the 2025 Residential Contractor of the Year: Jolly Plumbing, Drains, Heating & Air

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

When Brady Jolly steps into the office each morning, he’s carrying more than the responsibility of running a nearly 60-person business. He’s carrying forward the legacy of a company his parents founded back in 1979 — a company that has reinvented itself more than once and is today on a mission to "reimagine how the world experiences home services."

Has AI killed the need for local SEO?

chris@reputationigniter.com (Chris Lollini) — Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Today, AI is changing how people search for services and solve problems. But does this spell the end for traditional local SEO? Not quite. Instead, it signals that plumbing and HVAC businesses must evolve to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Behind the Wall: Where smart plumbing gets smarter

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

From smarter water heaters and valves to AI-powered diagnostics and real-time energy optimization, the future of plumbing is here —and it’s connected.

PHCC Educational Foundation introduces advanced HVACR courses integrating new technologies

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

HVAC enrollment for the PHCC Academy has seen a significant growth (1,984 percent) over the past 5 years – a trend the Foundation expects to continue in the future.

How AI can help forge human connections

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Embrace AI to future-proof your team and enhance human connections in the workplace. AI is transforming industries by augmenting productivity and redefining job roles.

XOi and Davisware enhance partnership, empowering contractors with seamless, data-driven solutions

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

The long-standing collaboration strengthens integration services, simplifying tasks and improving service.

Leveraging AI can boost efficiency and profitability for plumbing, HVAC contractors

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

The home services industry is rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI), as showcased at the Nexstar Network Super Meeting. Experts like Rocky Ozacki stress the urgency of AI integration, while companies like SafeAire and Avoca AI demonstrate how these technologies enhance operations and customer interactions.

How virtual inspection services empower mechanical contractors

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Mechanical contractors are looking to improve operations by cutting costs and boosting efficiency while maintaining quality. A popular solution is the adoption of new technologies, specifically virtual inspection services, which have gained popularity since the pandemic.

Trimble opens Technology Lab at Florida A&M University, marking new HBCU collaboration

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 13:00:00 -0400

The lab includes a broad range of Trimble’s industry-leading geospatial and construction solutions.

ServiceTitan unveils powerful new AI solutions at Pantheon 2024

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Contractors and technicians embrace AI to advance skill sets and grow businesses with solutions announced at ServiceTitan’s annual user conference.

XOi Partners With Trades-Focused Consulting Group

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0400

The partnership connects XOi’s technology with Powerhouse’s training and insights, ensuring field service professionals are equipped with the resources they need for the jobsite.

ServiceTitan announces partnership With Authority Brands

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The new integration will empower franchise owners to maximize business performance, grow profitably, and deliver a superior customer experience.

Trimble ranks #3 on Fast Company’s Annual List of Best Workplaces for Innovators, wins Science and Technology category

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Trimble recognized for commitment to innovation across projects, processes and company culture.

CallRail and ServiceTitan join forces to help contractors drive high-quality lead conversions

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The integration will allow mutual customers to access valuable information about their prospects and customers. The integration will ensure that the complete customer journey, from lead to job, is all captured within the ServiceTitan dashboard.

Peterman Brothers partners with Interplay Learning to standardize and scale technical training across service branches

Thu, 09 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The partnership between Interplay and Peterman comes at a pivotal time as Peterman continues to expand its operations and scale its technical training efforts.

Innovation for an important part of the home

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Wi-Fi technology has improved homes, including water heaters. The changing landscape of water heaters presents challenges for industry professionals. Nick Snell, director of plumbing sales at F.W. Webb Co., emphasizes the importance of working with a supplier that understands the evolving marketplace.

The AI and fintech lessons I learned while acquiring 14 PHVAC companies

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

As controller, my job essentially boils down to two things: support our branches and ensure that Leap Partners has the cash flow to fund further acquisitions. I want to share with you the three fundamental lessons I’ve learned to achieve these goals.

Innovative valve company benefits from innovative asset tracking app

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Trinova USA produces high-performance pinch valves and replacement sleeves, ideal for demanding environments with high abrasion. Made in the USA, these valves and sleeves are widely used in industrial settings, wastewater treatment, power generation, and other rugged applications.

Meet Caleffi North America's New CEO, Tina Gullickson

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke had the chance to sit down with Tina Gullickson and discuss her goals and strategies in leading Caleffi North America through this next chapter.

Uponor opens new state-of-the-art Experience Center

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Uponor North America celebrated the grand opening of its newly constructed Uponor Experience Center located at its regional headquarters in Apple Valley, Minnesota in September.

AI for the Trades — no contractor left behind

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

ServiceTitan made waves earlier this year when it announced new cutting-edge AI solutions, allowing its customers to automate, predict and optimize across their businesses during Pantheon 2023.

Mechanical contractors need to embrace new technology or get left behind

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke spoke with Chad Salge, vice president of virtual design and engineering at The Brandt Companies about its digital transformation journey.

Scorpion launches AI chat solution designed for local services businesses

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Scorpion's AI Chat incorporates industry- and business-specific knowledge into each chat response, creating a personalized experience for every new conversation.